Rotating Container Mixing Apparatus for Low Aeration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mixing technologies are limited in their versatility, often resulting in incomplete mixing, excessive aeration, high energy consumption for high viscosity liquids, and complex, expensive equipment, especially for laboratory and industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a rotating container with radial ribs that generates centrifugal, gravity, and friction forces to create a 3D motion of liquids, minimizing foam formation and enabling efficient mixing of various viscosities and volumes without the need for complex control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional stationary container mixing is used, then the mixing process is simple, but mixing is not complete and extended time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional mixing approach by making the container rotate instead of rotating the mixer inside a stationary container. This inversion creates centrifugal forces that drive liquid circulation and mixing, fundamentally changing the mixing mechanism to achieve faster and more complete mixing.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating container creates dynamic mixing conditions through centrifugal forces, transforming the static mixing environment into a dynamic one. The rotation speed can be adjusted to optimize mixing efficiency for different liquid viscosities and volumes.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional mixing methods are used, then the equipment structure is simple, but undesirable aeration takes place and bubbles are formed
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the mixing approach and rotating the container instead of the mixer, the patent minimizes air entrapment and aeration. The centrifugal circulation pattern created by container rotation avoids the vigorous agitation that typically introduces air bubbles into the liquid.
3Use of energy by moving object
If traditional mixers are used for high viscosity liquids, then mixing can be achieved, but more powerful energy consuming equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters by using centrifugal force generated from container rotation. This approach provides scalable mixing power that can handle a wide range of viscosities without requiring proportionally more powerful equipment, as the centrifugal force can be adjusted by changing rotation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic rotation system allows for adjustable centrifugal forces that can be optimized for different viscosity levels. The system adapts to various liquid properties by modifying rotation speed, providing energy-efficient mixing across a broad viscosity range.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mixers are used, then the mixing function is specific, but the structure is complicated and control systems are sophisticated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating container system serves as a universal mixing platform that can handle various liquid types, viscosities, and volumes through a single mechanism. The system's versatility comes from adjusting rotation parameters rather than requiring different specialized mixers for different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
By inverting the mixing approach, the patent eliminates the need for complex internal mixer mechanisms and electronic control systems. The simplicity of rotating the entire container provides a universal, cost-effective solution that replaces complicated traditional mixer designs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach ensures complete and instant mixing of large volumes with minimal aeration, reduced energy consumption, and simplified equipment design, making it suitable for a wide range of mixing processes from low to high viscosity liquids.
Implementation Method 1
Radial ribs extend upward from the bottom of the container... Rotation of the container with ribs generates three types of forces applied to the liquids inside: centrifugal (Fc), gravity (Fg), and friction (Ff). When the rotation of the container with liquids starts, the ribs together with the centrifugal force Fc push liquid from the triangle space between the ribs toward the container's wall.
Implementation Method 2
Due to friction force Ff between the wall and the liquid, the latter gets the horizontal rotation about the wall. This rotation, in turn, generates centrifugal force Fc pressing the liquid against the wall.
Implementation Method 3
At the same time, gravity force Fg applied to the liquid acts in opposite direction. Then the liquid drops down back into the spaces between ribs at the bottom.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of mixing together liquids or liquid/solid combinations, and mixing apparatus/universal combine utilizing a vertical spinning container or vessel having a rib, or a cross rib in its bottom wall. The container is spun about a vertical axis with no wobbling component to the motion. Meshed elements are used for high shear mixing. Start/stop routines, and variable acceleration/speed values are used, to facilitate complete mixing. Use of ‘impeller’ blade stirrers is completely eliminated.